Test Drive Advice
Thread Starter
Track Day
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Dallas
Test Drive Advice
After selling my 04 BMW 330i ZHP, with the idea of buying an older 911, I need advice about asking to test drive different 911 models.
I'm not tied to any specific model. And I'm in no hurry. This would be a weekend, play car. I've lurked on here a while, have a copy of P. Zimmerman's Used Porsche guide and many other guides.
Problem is, for $20k I'm looking for an early 996 or something pre-95. My heart is set on an 87 or 88, but I haven't had a chance to get behind the wheel. I'm not a tire-kicker, but would like to test drive different models to zero-in on what truely makes sense for me. Thought about touching base with the local Porsche club...does anyone know if this is something club members would be open to?
Thanks for the ideas.
I'm not tied to any specific model. And I'm in no hurry. This would be a weekend, play car. I've lurked on here a while, have a copy of P. Zimmerman's Used Porsche guide and many other guides.
Problem is, for $20k I'm looking for an early 996 or something pre-95. My heart is set on an 87 or 88, but I haven't had a chance to get behind the wheel. I'm not a tire-kicker, but would like to test drive different models to zero-in on what truely makes sense for me. Thought about touching base with the local Porsche club...does anyone know if this is something club members would be open to?
Thanks for the ideas.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 28,460
Likes: 1,631
From: Cambridge Ontario Canada
hmmm good questions.
I am not selling my car , i own it I am personally invested in it and emotionally atached to it .. i wouldn't let some guy "test drive" my car with a 915 and have him miss a shift .. that is my attitude and one you may find at the local Porsche club. But a guy with a car on a used car lot is much more likely to let you test drive it . so just go to as many ised car lots as you can and test drive a bunch , everyone of our generation drives a little bit differently and you have to find the one that is right for you ... you also have to decide water or non water ( that's easy) g50 or 915 , roof or no roof , I envy you as the search I find to be the most fun ..
I am not selling my car , i own it I am personally invested in it and emotionally atached to it .. i wouldn't let some guy "test drive" my car with a 915 and have him miss a shift .. that is my attitude and one you may find at the local Porsche club. But a guy with a car on a used car lot is much more likely to let you test drive it . so just go to as many ised car lots as you can and test drive a bunch , everyone of our generation drives a little bit differently and you have to find the one that is right for you ... you also have to decide water or non water ( that's easy) g50 or 915 , roof or no roof , I envy you as the search I find to be the most fun ..
Last edited by theiceman; Apr 16, 2010 at 06:27 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 28,460
Likes: 1,631
From: Cambridge Ontario Canada
i like the pasenger idea . I would ofer to take any interested party as a passenger .. byt the time they left they would be signed up on rennlist and fixing the car they don't even own yet.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 2,958
Likes: 1
From: Middle GA.
Both posts EXCELLENT advice. Strategize!!!!!!!!!
The hardest part will be your test of true patience....the foolish part would be to not have it PPI'd by a reputable shop (not the owner's shop).
Ice is right,..this trek will be envious. We say that NOW because we've owned them for a bit,..and the thought of looking for (in example) an "addition" to the stable, we'd be "FULL-ON" while test driving these babies.
Patience is NOT a virtue.
Best to you (and welcome),
Doyle
The hardest part will be your test of true patience....the foolish part would be to not have it PPI'd by a reputable shop (not the owner's shop).
Ice is right,..this trek will be envious. We say that NOW because we've owned them for a bit,..and the thought of looking for (in example) an "addition" to the stable, we'd be "FULL-ON" while test driving these babies.
Patience is NOT a virtue.
Best to you (and welcome),
Doyle
Thread Starter
Track Day
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Dallas
Thanks. Very good advice. Should've thought of asking for rides instead of testing their rides
I've met a couple of the Dallas Porsche club members...nice guys...but didn't feel comfortable enough to ask about test drives...but asking for a ride should work.
I've also talked to Hans at RUF about approximate cost of PPI ($400ish). So let the search begin.
I appreciate the great forum you've got here. It'll certainly be of value while I'm looking!
I've met a couple of the Dallas Porsche club members...nice guys...but didn't feel comfortable enough to ask about test drives...but asking for a ride should work.
I've also talked to Hans at RUF about approximate cost of PPI ($400ish). So let the search begin.
I appreciate the great forum you've got here. It'll certainly be of value while I'm looking!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 756
Likes: 0
From: UK
Like ice, I love the search for a new car. The problem is balancing the importance of driving as many cars as possible with the tug of the heartstrings when you fall in love with the first one you see! The most exciting thing (for me) about the pre-89 cars is the range of options open to you and how they can make for notably different driving experiences. Try to pin-down the deal-breakers for you (eg it may HAVE to be a targa) and then look as widely as you can.
Like many I remember my first ever drive in a 911 - an '84 LHD carrera 3.2 - and I hope yours is as memorable. Keep us posted as your search goes on, sorry I can't help with my car being on the other side of the pond
Like many I remember my first ever drive in a 911 - an '84 LHD carrera 3.2 - and I hope yours is as memorable. Keep us posted as your search goes on, sorry I can't help with my car being on the other side of the pond
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Instructor
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 234
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From: East coast
Look for a car that is well documented and high mileage won't be an issue.
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Rennlist Member
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 16,557
Likes: 94
From: Bend, OR
Searching is fun, but the most fun is when you find your "911 Soulmate".
I'd take a nice $20k Carrera (84-89) over a $20k 996 anyday...unless it was a GT3 being given away in some whacked out divorce.
I'd take a nice $20k Carrera (84-89) over a $20k 996 anyday...unless it was a GT3 being given away in some whacked out divorce.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,046
Likes: 3
From: Kennedale,TX a suburb of DFW
Hey Arch_Horn
In the Dallas area, you may want to talk to the following for a PPI:
Al Zim owner of ZIMS Autotechnik 817.267.4451 30+ years and sponsor of this Forum
Ed Mayo owner of Mayo Performance 817.540.4939 30+ years and writes for Panorama
Nerces Mavelian owner of all three AutoScope locations 214.213.3923 has dyno on site at new location
$400 for a PPI seem expensive but then you did say you were at RUF
May I suggest going to http://mav.pca.org and downloading Slipstream for more information about dealerships for test drives and club events for passenger rides and other good info.
In the Dallas area, you may want to talk to the following for a PPI:
Al Zim owner of ZIMS Autotechnik 817.267.4451 30+ years and sponsor of this Forum
Ed Mayo owner of Mayo Performance 817.540.4939 30+ years and writes for Panorama
Nerces Mavelian owner of all three AutoScope locations 214.213.3923 has dyno on site at new location
$400 for a PPI seem expensive but then you did say you were at RUF
May I suggest going to http://mav.pca.org and downloading Slipstream for more information about dealerships for test drives and club events for passenger rides and other good info.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 16,557
Likes: 94
From: Bend, OR
As of 2 years ago, Zims was no longer doing PPI's. I'm not sure about Mayo's, but they won't be cheap either. Hans knows his air-cooled 911's-$400 isn't outrageous for a thorough review by a knowledgable mechanic.
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,434
Likes: 1
From: on the waterfront, Kobe, Japan
also recommend you try the 964 series (post 89 to 94 "911's and particularly as wkend warrior the C2 editions) which may fit into your budget.
not intention on setting a debate between the series, but only to add a further perspective.
not intention on setting a debate between the series, but only to add a further perspective.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,046
Likes: 3
From: Kennedale,TX a suburb of DFW
Hey Arch_horn
You may want to search a post called "With A Heavy Heart and Empty Soul" by Pingman. Posted by Mark at 5:19 pm tonight. at (Mark). Due to economic conditions, he is selling his two Porsches... far below $20k
You may want to search a post called "With A Heavy Heart and Empty Soul" by Pingman. Posted by Mark at 5:19 pm tonight. at (Mark). Due to economic conditions, he is selling his two Porsches... far below $20k